Donald Trump apologises to Brett Kavanaugh for 'pain and suffering' as judge is sworn in at White House ceremony

Donald Trump has apologised to Brett Kavanaugh and his family for the “pain and suffering” they endured during the process leading to his Supreme Court nomination.

The US leader described the sexual assault allegations against the judge as “a campaign of lies” as he spoke at a swearing-in ceremony for Mr Kavanaugh on Monday.

He said the judge deserved “a fair and dignified evaluation” not a “campaign of political and personal destruction based on lies” he was hit with by the Democrats.

Mr Trump then told Mr Kavanaugh directly: “You, sir, under historic scrutiny were proven innocent”.

Brett Kavanaugh looks on as Donald Trump speaks during the judge's ceremonial public swearing-in
REUTERS

Speaking at the ceremony, held at the White House on Monday, the president said: “I would like to begin tonight’s proceedings differently than perhaps any other event of such magnitude.

“On behalf of our nation I want to apologise to Brett and the entire Kavanaugh family for the terrible pain and suffering you have been forced to endure.”

Brett Kavanaugh (L) at his ceremonial swearing in by retired Justice Anthony Kennedy (R) alongside President Donald Trump, wife Ashley, youngest daughter Liza and oldest daughter Margaret
Getty Images

It comes after Mr Trump said the judge, who was confirmed to the nation’s highest court after a vote on Saturday, was “caught up in a hoax that was set up by the Democrats”.

Mr Kavanaugh’s nomination for the court sparked a national and international rift after an academic came forward and accused him of sexual assault in the 1980s.

The judge has denied the allegations.

Mr Kavanaugh hugs his wife Ashley Kavanaugh after being ceremonially sworn in
EPA

Also speaking at the swearing in ceremony on Monday evening, Mr Kavaugh addressed the controversy surrounding his nomination by admitting that it had “tested him”.

“Although the Senate confirmation process tested me as it has tested others, it did not change me," he said.

He also thanked the president for his “unwavering” support throughout the process, adding that he is “honoured” to serve alongside his colleagues at the court.

Mr Kavanaugh said the confirmation process was "contentious and emotional" but said he has "no bitterness” following the political firestorm that came after the allegations.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh speaks during the ceremony at the White House
REUTERS

To applause from supporters and staff gathered for the event, Mr Trump said: “A man or a woman must be presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty… “You sir, [Mr Kavanaugh,] under historic scrutiny were proven innocent.”

Reacting to the news earlier on Monday, Mr Trump said: “I’ve been hearing that now they’re thinking of impeaching a brilliant jurist, that did nothing wrong.

“A man that was caught up in a hoax, that was set up by the Democrats, using the Democrat’s lawyers and now they want to impeach them

“I’ve heard this from many people, I think it’s an insult to the American public.”

Democrats had been hugely opposed to Mr Kavanaugh's appointment.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said there was one fundamental question for senators when they decide Mr Kavanaugh's fate: "Do we, as a country, value women?"

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